Billy Graham

Billy Graham was laid to rest at the Billy Graham Library on Friday, March 2. Thousands of visitors came to Charlotte, N.C., to pay their respects, recalling memories and praying. Although Graham passed on Feb. 21, his legacy continues through the various ministries of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

“People have asked if the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) is going to redefine our mission, or update our message. Of course not. That will never change,” said Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham and the CEO of the BGEA. “There are more people alive in the world today who need Jesus Christ than ever in history. We are going to keep on obeying Christ’s Great Commission until He returns, proclaiming the Good News…”

Franklin Graham has led the organization since 2000. For nearly two decades, he has upheld the ministry’s tradition of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ at Festivals around the world. His first Festival following his father’s passing was held April 7-8 in Lisbon, Portugal. This marks the first time the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has held a Crusade event in the Mediterranean country.

Three weeks later, Billy Graham’s grandson, Will Graham, will be in the Tri-Cities Region of Tennessee and Virginia for a three-day Celebration from April 27-29 to share the Gospel.

For more information about the BGEA’s ministries and how they are reaching people with the Gospel, visit www.billygraham.org.

The Billy Graham Rapid Response team deployed crisis-trained chaplains to South Carolina and Kentucky following fatal shootings in January. On Jan. 16, four law enforcement officers in York County, S.C., were shot while searching for a suspect after responding to a domestic violence call. While three of the four officers survived, the attack claimed the life of Det. Mike Doty. One week later, a 15-year-old student opened fire at Marshall County High School in Benton, Ky., killing two and injuring 14.

In both locations, the chaplains were requested by the community to provide emotional and spiritual care. They have had the opportunity to pray with families, local pastors, law enforcement, and many of the survivors.

“Sudden, tragic deaths like we’ve seen in South Carolina and Kentucky are heart-wrenching,” said Jack Munday, international director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. “They affect not only the survivors and the families of the victims, but the entire community. Lives are forever changed. Join us in praying for those who are broken and mourning, and those who will carry the physical and emotional scars for years to come.”

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains offer hope to those affected by the Las Vegas shooting and recent hurricanes

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team has deployed chaplains to Las Vegas following the horrific mass shooting on the Las Vegas Strip. The attack, which took place at a country music festival near the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, is now the deadliest mass shooting on American soil in modern history.

“We mourn for the families that lost loved ones, especially in such an evil and violent manner. We grieve for the survivors who will carry the emotional and physical scars the rest of their lives. The terror that took place last night in Las Vegas will forever be etched in the minds of those who were present,” said Jack Munday, international director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. “We will be there to talk with and pray with the hurting, offering the hope, and comfort of Jesus Christ in these dark days.”

Along with the new deployment to Las Vegas, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team continues to work in the hurricane-devastated areas of Texas and Florida. As of this morning, more than 310 chaplains from across the country have worked in eight different regions around the two states, as well as in evacuation shelters. They’ve ministered to more than 18,000 people affected by the storms. Additionally, the team has a plan in place to send chaplains to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria as soon as the situation stabilizes to the point that they can respond. ￼￼￼￼￼

In natural disasters such as the spate of recent hurricanes, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team deploys in coordination with Samaritan’s Purse, the Christian disaster relief organization also headed by Franklin Graham. Together the two ministries address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those who have been affected.

Franklin Graham, who was in Texas shortly after Hurricane Harvey with Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains and relief teams from Samaritan’s Purse, will return this month with Decision Texas: The Lone Star Tour. Graham will be asking Texans to join him in praying for recovery not only from the storm, but for the revival America desperately needs to solve the political, racial, and cultural divisions plaguing our country.

After preaching the Gospel in 50 states last year, Franklin Graham is returning to Texas for prayer and evangelism events. Decision Texas: The Lone Star Tour with Franklin Graham will roll through seven cities this October.

Last year, during Graham’s Decision America Tour events in each of the U.S. state capitals, more than a quarter-of-a-million people joined him to pray for America. This year, he’s taking his tour back on the road. More than 22,000 people turned out during a four-city tour of Tennessee in May. Texas is up next, and plans are in the works to head to the West Coast and the Northeast in the next couple of years.

“I want to call God’s people to prayer and invite the lost to surrender their lives to Him,” Franklin Graham said. He is eager to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Texans in October, calling on them to pray for their communities, their state, and the country.

On July 1, the Billy Graham Library honored those who have served in our nation’s Armed Forces and their families with a barbeque lunch. More than 200 people attended the event and heard an inspiring message from retired Army Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin.

Two weeks later, on July 14, the Library hosted its first Gold Star Families Breakfast and Tour for those who have lost a loved one in military service. After hearing a message of appreciation from Pastor Pat Fleming, who leads follow-up care for Operation Heal Our Patriots, family members commemorated their fallen loved ones in front of the audience by stating their name, branch of service and their own relationship to the fallen hero.

“It’s humbling and overwhelming to realize that God has given us the opportunity to introduce the Gospel to so many,” said Mark Appleton, the BGEA’s director of Internet Evangelism.

Since its launch in April of 2011, Search for Jesus has had more than 50 million visitors to its evangelistic website, PeaceWithGod.net, which uses thematic landing pages and compelling video presentations to share the Gospel with visitors. Of those visitors, more than 1.3 million people have made one-on-one connections with a Search for Jesus volunteer. The volunteer, called a discipleship coach, provides them with resources to further their relationship with Christ and to connect them with a local church.

The ministry reached another milestone last month: five years of volunteers, each one trained to offer spiritual guidance through live chat, email or an online discipleship course called Know Jesus. With nearly 600 volunteers, Search for Jesus has personal connections with thousands of people around the globe.

Crisis-trained chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team have wrapped up two major deployments in which they had the opportunity to minister to the emotional and spiritual needs of hurting people in the U.S. and abroad.

In late April, a devastating tornado struck the small town of Durant, Miss., damaging hundreds of homes. The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team sent chaplains into the area alongside Samaritan’s Purse and together they helped the community – which sits about 60 miles north of Jackson, Miss. – as they began to recover. Over the course of nearly seven weeks, a total of 28 chaplains from around the country rotated into the area, praying with and comforting some 1,785 people.

Across the Atlantic, a horrifying scene played out on June 14 as London’s Grenfell Tower apartment building was consumed by a widespread and fast-moving fire. At least 79 people lost their lives in the blaze. Chaplains came alongside a local church to share the hope of Jesus in the midst of the deep pain and mourning. They ministered to hundreds and prayed with 340 people, including many who lost loved ones and friends. It was the third time in as many weeks that the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team deployed chaplains in the United Kingdom. The group provided emotional and spiritual care to survivors and mourners following the Manchester Arena bombing on May 22, and the June 3 attack on London Bridge and the Borough Market. Chaplains with the ministry also responded to London following the terror attack in March.

Crisis-trained chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team have deployed to two flood zones within the month of July. On July 16, they responded to devastating flooding in the southeastern part of Wisconsin, where rising waters washed out roads in Kenosha, Racine and Walworth counties.

“As the floodwaters rose, so did the levels of despair and hopelessness in the hearts of many families in the area,” said Jack Munday, international director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. “In the coming days, as they’re allowed back into their homes, many will find themselves dragging everything they own to the curb—soggy, moldy and unsalvageable. Our desire is to offer God’s hope and encouragement as they journey through this crisis.”

The same heavy rainfall prompted another team of chaplains to deploy to Northeastern Illinois a few days later. For both deployments, Rapid Response Team chaplains are serving alongside Samaritan’s Purse, working together to bring the love and compassion of Jesus Christ to hurting residents.

The Illinois deployment marks the third time the Rapid Response Team has responded to floods in 2017 and the seventh time this year the chaplains have responded in the wake of a natural disaster. Earlier this year, the team deployed after tornadoes sliced through Albany, Ga.; Durant, Miss.; Forrest County, Miss.; and New Orleans, La. Chaplains also ministered in Ripley County, Mo., after devastating flooding in May.

Since opening in 2007, the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C., has welcomed more than 1.1 million visitors from all 50 U.S. states and 90 countries around the world. This month marks the 10th anniversary of the Library.

The Library was dedicated in a special ceremony one week before the opening. On May 31, 2007, more than 1,000 people, including three former U.S. Presidents and many dignitaries, attended the ceremony in honor of the impact Billy Graham and his ministries have made around the world.

Among many speakers that day was Billy Graham’s son, Franklin Graham. “The Library is about a man who took God’s Gospel … to the ends of the earth,” said Franklin. “It is my prayer that every person who comes through that door will hear and understand that Jesus Christ died for their sins.”

Ten years later, the Billy Graham Library is poised to continue to represent the story of how God worked through Billy Graham to share the Gospel around the world. For more information on the Library as well as ministry highlights from the past decade, visit www.billygrahamlibrary.org/10years.

The schedule features seminars and retreats with ministry leaders, teachers, and authors including Will Graham, Ken Ham, Alex McFarland and more. Specialized programs include several intensive Bible training seminars designed to take an in-depth approach to understanding specific topics or sections of the Bible. Upcoming events include: “Jesus, Don’t You Care?” with Darren Thomas from July 7-9; Intensive Bible Training with Woodrow Kroll from July 10-14; and An Evening at The Cove with Michael Card on July 16

For more information about these, and other, events, view the complete events schedule online at www.thecove.org.

Franklin Graham and his daughter, Cissie Graham Lynch, participate in the presidential inaugural events
On Friday, Jan. 20, Franklin Graham stood on the U.S. Capitol grounds to read a passage of Scripture during the 45th presidential inauguration. In 2016, Graham called the nation to unite in prayer, starting his Decision America Tour in January and traveling to all 50 states. This month, as he took the podium a few minutes after Donald Trump was sworn in as the new president, Graham again called Americans to unite by reading 1 Timothy 2:1-6.

Graham’s daughter, Cissie Graham Lynch, also participated in the inauguration by praying on Jan. 19 at a special inauguration prayer event in Washington, D.C., and on Jan. 21 at the 58th presidential inaugural prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral.

Billy Graham named one of the 10 most admired men in the world for the 60th time
Billy Graham once again has the honor of appearing on Gallup’s annual list of most admired people in the world. Gallup released its annual list at the end of 2016 after asking more than 1,000 people throughout the United States which man they admire most in the world. Mr. Graham received fifth place on the list, marking the 60th time he has finished in the top 10—a Gallup record.

2017 Crusade lineups span the globe
Franklin Graham and his son, Will Graham, have announced their 2017 schedules. Franklin will share the Gospel message across the world, starting in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from Feb. 10-12. He will then deliver his message of hope to Vancouver, Canada, from March 3-5. Franklin’s last international Festival will be in Oslo, Norway, from Nov. 11-12. The remaining dates will take place in the United States, as Franklin will lead one-night, outdoor events throughout five cities in Tennessee and seven cities in Texas. In Tennessee, he will visit Chattanooga on May 15, Murfreesboro on May 17, Jackson on May 19, and Memphis on May 21. Texas dates have not yet been released. MORE…

Will Graham will lead four Celebrations in 2017. He plans to share the Gospel in Pachuca, Mexico, from March 31-April 2; Dothan, Ala., from May 5-7; Fort Wayne, Ind., from Oct. 6-8; and Charlottetown, Canada, from Nov. 4-5. MORE…

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains offer hope to those hurting during the holidays
Unfortunately tragedy doesn’t take a holiday. While the Christmas season was a joyous one for people around the world, many others were mourning the sudden and tragic loss of loved ones. Throughout December, crisis-trained chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team attempted to bring comfort and hope into areas of deep despair in Oakland, Calif.; Berlin, Germany; and Sevier County, Tenn.

On Dec. 2, a horrific fire overwhelmed party-goers at a warehouse in Oakland, claiming the lives of 36 people. Chaplains were there within hours to talk with—and, more importantly, listen to—the steady stream of mourners and first responders. Over the course of two weeks, 11 chaplains addressed the emotional and spiritual needs of those stopping by the makeshift memorials around the warehouse, praying with more than 470 and shining the light of Christ during dark days.

On Dec. 19, just days before Christmas, an attack rocked the city of Berlin, Germany, as a terrorist hijacked a truck and drove it through a crowded Christmas market. The violence left 12 dead, dozens wounded, and countless others fearful and on edge. A multi-national contingent of chaplains from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Belgium responded to offer a “ministry of presence” in the city. The work in Berlin, which continued through Christmas, marked the fifth international response in 2016, and the second to Germany. The group previously deployed to Munich in July following a deadly shooting in a mall.

While the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team wrapped up ministry efforts in Oakland and Berlin in December, their work in Sevier County extended into the New Year. This area, encompassing the tourist destinations of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, was devastated by wildfires that consumed thousands of acres in late November and early December. The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team worked alongside Samaritan’s Purse to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those impacted. As of the most recent reporting, 25 chaplains from across the country have prayed with and comforted more than 1,670 people in the mountains of Tennessee.

“Decisions” features a Gospel message from Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and looks at the lives of people of different ages and backgrounds who have heard the Gospel through Graham’s 2016 Decision America Tour and made life-changing decisions to follow Christ.

The DVD version of “Decisions” also includes “A Time for Decision: Pray, Vote, Engage,” a special 30-minute program that goes behind the scenes of Franklin Graham’s Decision America Tour. For more information on My Hope, including tips on how the available free resources can be used, visit www.MyHopewithBillyGraham.org. You can participate by ordering your free copy of “Decisions” and beginning to pray for your community.

In early October, Hurricane Matthew – once a Category 5 storm – made landfall in South Carolina, bringing devastating flooding, toppled trees, and extensive property damage up and down the East Coast. With an eye on the looming impact, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team of crisis-trained chaplains pre-positioned staff and resources in key areas. “Hurricane Matthew struck with ferocious power, and we still don’t know the full extent to which it has damaged areas of impact,” Jack Munday, international director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, said at the time. “Our team is prepared to offer hope and comfort to the people affected by this storm in the midst of their pain.”

As the storm cleared, the ministry was ready to respond as soon as the roads opened and assessments revealed the worst-hit areas. Ultimately, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team – along with disaster relief ministry Samaritan’s Purse – deployed to three areas; two in South Carolina (the Low Country region and Horry County) and one in eastern North Carolina(Edgecombe County).

Franklin Graham called for prayer on his Facebook page, “Hurricane Matthew has wreaked havoc along its deadly path. A number have died, and tens of thousands of people have no electricity even on the coast here in my home state of NC. … Join me in praying not only for those here in the U.S. who are hurting, but also for our neighbors in Haiti.”

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team also continues to minister in Louisiana in the wake of severe flooding that struck that state in August.

For more information about the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, including current deployments and how to get involved, visit www.billygraham.org/rrt.

A total of 236,950 joined Franklin Graham at the 2016 Decision America Tour. Add to that more than 150,000 live views online collectively and over 287,000 from his Facebook Live feed during his last stop in North Carolina.

Franklin Graham’s three-fold message has been simple and steady throughout all 50 states: Pray. Vote. Engage. Finishing the tour with a massive crowd of about 14,000 in his home state, he reflected on when it began. “They didn’t come to hear me,” Franklin said. “They came to pray.”

In addition to calling Christians to action, Franklin shared the Gospel message at every stop. As a result, more than 8,000 people nationwide responded to make a decision for Jesus Christ. The tour ended with Franklin imploring everyone to keep praying for America, to get involved in local politics and to engage in their communities. MORE…

Rev. Billy Graham celebrated his 98th birthday on Monday, Nov. 7, at his home in Montreat, N.C. Franklin Graham sent birthday wishes to the elder Graham on his Facebook page and shared a quote from his father. “He once said, ‘God isn’t finished with you when you retire! We never retire from His service.’”

The Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C., welcomed guests to celebrate Graham’s birthday with free cake on Monday. In addition, visitors had an opportunity to sign a birthday banner with prayers, memories, and well-wishes for the evangelist.